adminLocadia Mavhudzi Midlands Correspondent
At least 724 inmates — 683 males and 41 females — have been released from eight prisons in the Midlands province after President Mnangagwa recently proclaimed an amnesty. The move was meant to de-congest the country’s prisons.
Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) regional public relations officer for Midlands and Masvingo Mr Jere Ruzive said 65 inmates were released from Connemara Open Prison, 58 from Gokwe, 59 from Kwekwe, 19 from Mberengwa and 43 from Zvishavane.
The biggest jail in the province, Whawha, had 370 inmates released from Whawha Medium (Security) Prison, while 34 were released from Whawha Young Offenders Prison.
Shurugwi Prison, which houses female prisoners, released 26 inmates.
Mr Ruzive urged the public to support the former prisoners to easily assimilate into society.
“We urge the public to accept the former prisoners as they rejoin their families and society. They have learnt quite a number of skills that enables them to fend for their livelihoods. We are optimistic that they will use such technical skills as carpentry, sewing, welding and other hands-on skills,” he said.
Mr Ruzive advised beneficiaries of the presidential pardon to chose a crime-free life.
Online Reporter